Typhoon Delays Vote in Territory of Guam

Typhoon Elsie, Guam’s third such storm in only 10 weeks, forced postponement of today’s elections here, but only sideswiped the U.S. territory, passing to the south.

Forecasters warned, however, that 60-m.p.h. winds and gusts of 80 m.p.h. could arrive in heavy bands of showers trailing the storm.

Thirteen emergency shelters opened just three days after authorities had closed the last shelter for victims of Typhoon Omar. Omar devastated the island on Aug. 28; Typhoon Brian caused light damage Oct. 21.

Military ships left port to ride the storm out at sea, and planes at Andersen Air Force Base were parked in hangars or flown to Japan.

Gov. Joseph Ada postponed today’s local elections until Saturday, Civil Defense spokesman Carl Gumataotao said. Guam’s 133,000 residents cannot vote for President.